Abstract: Systems and methods of providing interactive online communication are described. A chat enabled communication is transmitted over a network to a user via a browser hosted on a user terminal, wherein the communication is provided to the user in association with search results at least partly in response to a search query from the user, and wherein the communication includes a chat control. A connection is made between a chat server and a chat interface associated with the communication, wherein the chat interface including a text entry and display area, and wherein the connection is made after the user has activated the chat control and/or taken an action that satisfies a first chat connection rule. A chat agent is then connected to the chat interface in order to participate in a chat session.

Abstract: Methods and systems for measuring chat performance are described. Certain users accessing a website are inhibited by a chat system from receiving online chat service, while other users are provided with online chat service, wherein users can textually communicate with another entity. Optionally, the chat system causes web beacons or other activity trackers to be downloaded to terminals associated with website visitors. The beacons provide website activity information for respective users. The chat system or another system monitors and processes the website activity information, to determine or provide information for determining chat performance.